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  • Nano-Dry Technology
    Nano-dry technology is a treatment that structurally modifies material at the molecular level, producing fabrics with exceptional water repellency and outstanding wicking characteristics. Nano-dry technology produces stain- and wrinkle-resistant fabrics, and is commonly used on cotton or cotton blends.
  • Nap
    Nap describes the soft, brushed surface of a fabric, which is produced through a special finishing process where the fiber’s ends are raised, clipped and left standing. Nap gives fabric a rich and luxurious feel and can also be used to describe the direction of a fabric’s surface.
  • Napoleon Pocket
    A Napoleon pocket is a chest pocket on a jacket or shirt with a vertical opening. Napoleon pockets are convenient and remain accessible even when wearing a backpack. The pocket style is so named because the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, was frequently shown in portraits with one hand inside his uniform jacket.
  • Nappa Leather
    Nappa leather is soft, durable, full-grain leather made from an un-split, tanned lamb or sheep hide. Nappa leather is often used to make wallets, purses, toiletry kits, briefcases and home furnishings, Nappa leather is also desirable because it typically shows intact, natural markings on its surface.
  • Naturally Rolled Lapels
    A roll line is formed by the natural roll or turn of the collar and lapels when the front of a sport coat or suit is in correct position on the body. A naturally rolled lapel is shaped by hand or machine. Unlike heat-set lapel creases, naturally rolled lapels produce a more natural and fluid drape.
  • Neat Check
    A term that applies to certain patterns of menswear. Neat checks are generally small and closely spaced patterns found in the weaves of men’s suits, suit pants and shirts. Neat checks convey a crisp, “neat” appearance and can be executed in two or more colors.
  • Neoprene
    Neoprene is a durable, lightweight synthetic rubber with exceptional resistance to temperature, allowing the material to maintain flexibility and provide insulation in cold, wet conditions. Weather-resistant, buoyant and insulating, neoprene is most commonly used wetsuits, waders, PFDs and other watersports products.
  • NeoShell®
    Featuring dynamic air exchange technology, waterproof breathable Polartec® NeoShell® offers superior protection from the elements without preventing the release of internal moisture vapor. This aerobic air permeability combined with excellent waterproofness makes Polartec® NeoShell® a superb choice for outdoor athletes.
  • NIS
    A type of ski binding system. Nordic Integrated System, or NIS, is a specialized system designed to be very lightweight. Nordic Integrated System bindings are compatible with NNN boots, although installing NIS bindings may require a special mounting plate.
  • NN
    A type of ski binding system. Nordic Norm, or NN, may also be referred to as 75mm or 3-Pin. Nordic Norm is one of the oldest Nordic ski binding systems and is still widely used. Nordic Norm boots can be easily recognized by their protruding toe bales with three pin holes on the underside.
  • NNN
    A type of ski binding system called New Nordic Norm. NNN boots feature a metal rod mounted in the toe that clips into a matching slot in NNN bindings. This system is available in two, non-interchangeable variations: NNN and NNN-BC (New Nordic Norm Backcountry). NNN-BC boots have a thicker rod and are only compatible with NNN-BC bindings. NNN boots are only compatible with NNN bindings.
  • No Vent
    A vent is an open slit in the back of a suit jacket, sport coat or skirt that allows freedom of movement, especially when bending or sitting. When a skirt or jacket is constructed with no vent, it creates a smoother appearance. However, this can be at the expense of mobility. Men who wear suits and sport coats generally have a preference for side vents, a center vent or no-vent style.
  • No-see-um Mesh
    A fine mesh screening used in tents and apparel. No-See-Um mesh is a finely woven fiberglass that can have as many as 800 holes per square inch. This density enables ventilation and visibility while preventing tiny biting bugs like small mosquitos and midges from passing through the screen. No-See-Um mesh is especially beneficial in marshy or coastal areas.
  • Nomex®
    Nomex® is a woven, highly flame- and chemical-resistant nylon fiber. Used in industrial applications as well as apparel for firefighters and EMT personnel, Nomex® fabrics retain 60% of their original strength at temperatures in which conventional nylon would melt (489°F, 254°C). The resistance properties of Nomex® are not affected by laundering.
  • Nonwoven Fabric
    Nonwoven fabric is fabric made from individual, long fibers that are bonded together either mechanically or through the use of chemicals or solvents. Nonwoven fabric are neither woven nor knitted, and subsequently lack durability and strength if a backing fabric is not used.
  • Norwegian Welt
    Bearing similarity to a Goodyear welt, a Norwegian welt is a type of boot sole construction with stitching around the perimeter of the sole and a raised, notched edge on the welt. Boots with a Norwegian welt construction are highly durable and can also be re-soled.
  • Notch Lapel
    A notch lapel is a type of lapel sewn to the collar with the top line slanting down in line with the collar seam to create a step effect. A notch lapel is most commonly used on single-breasted suits, suit jackets, sport coats and blazers.
  • Nubuck
    Nubuck is a type of cowhide leather that has been rubbed or sanded to achieve a soft surface and supple feel. Although the surface of nubuck bears a similarity to suede in both look and feel, suede is crafted from the inner side of a hide, whereas nubuck is crafted from the exterior portion of a hide. This process makes nubuck thicker, stronger and more resistant to wear and tear. Like suede, nubuck is also subject to easy staining and requires pretreatment or stain protection to prevent discoloration, stains and moisture damage.
  • Nycott Twill
    Used in ExOfficio apparel, Nycott Twill is a lightweight, easy-care nylon fabric. In addition to a soft finish, Nycott Twill is quick drying, wrinkle resistant and highly durable, making Nycott Twill garments ideal for travel and outdoor wear.
  • Nylock®
    A multi-filament thread used in fishing nets. NyLock® fishing nets are used by commercial fishermen who depend on their strength for the catch of the day.
  • Nylon
    First developed by DuPont®, nylon is a synthetic fiber with exceptional strength, abrasion resistance, stain repellency and flexibility. Used in applications from outdoor clothing and apparel to household items, nylon is frequently blended with other synthetic and natural fibers to increase durability.
  • Nymph
    A specific type of wet fly crafted to imitate an insect in the nymph stage. Most nymphs are designed to float or hover beneath the surface of the water. The prince nymph and stonefly nymph are two examples of popular nymph flies.